You Have A Testimony To Share
“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?“
(Acts 26:4-8)
You have a story to share. You may not think it’s much of a story, but it is. It’s a story of what you’ve been through that can help many people. It can make the loneliest of people feel like “wow, there is someone who understands“. You may not be completely free or healed yet, but your story lets another person in the same situation know that they are not alone. Once you come to Christ and receive salvation, your story becomes your testimony. Your testimony of how Christ has saved you. It can draw someone back from the brink of suicide. It can give a drug addict or an alcoholic hope that there is a chance they can break free from their destructive lifestyle. It can give that abused spouse or child a moment of peace in knowing that one day they will not be abused any longer. Your testimony can lead many to Christ.
We see in Acts 26:4-23 and also in Acts 22:3-21 when Paul was speaking with political leaders and persons of great power that he did not debate theological or philosophical issues with them. He gave them, and others, his testimony. His testimony, as your testimony, consisted of four points:
– What his life was like before he met Jesus
– How he met Jesus
– What his life has been like since he met Jesus
– Advice for others
Paul knew that his testimony would give more glory to God than debating issues. It’s not to say he never debated, but he knew that when he shared his story, someone would connect with it and be drawn to Jesus, giving God the glory. That is the main goal of any Christian. To bring the gospel to others so they can become drawn to Jesus and be saved, giving God the glory. In 2 Peter 3:9 we see where God does not want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance and therefore be saved:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Who do you know that could benefit from your testimony? Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of who you used to be. We all fall short and are by no means perfect. Paul used to persecute other Christians thinking he was doing godly work instead of going against Christ. Yet Christ met him on the way to Damascus where Paul was going to find other disciples, bind them and bring them back to Jerusalem to persecute them (Acts 9). It was there, on the road to Damascus, that He had his encounter with Christ that changed his life forever. He went from being a fearless persecutor of Christians to a fearless defender of Christ. He went from spreading fear and intimidation in the hearts of Christians to spreading love and forgiveness. Christ took the zeal Paul had for the wrong side and utilized that zeal for His side. The product of this change was a man who stopped at nothing to spread the Word of God to others because his heart was full of love for the people Christ loved.
If Jesus can change such a hardened heart in Paul, He can change any heart. But others won’t know it if our testimonies aren’t given and just kept to ourselves. Your testimony can make the difference. Take the step forward today and share your testimony with someone. Connect with them. They need to hear your story. Don’t be discouraged if they do not come to Christ right away. You may be one of several people God uses to speak to that person to continue watering the seed that was already planted within them by others. You may even be the one to plant that seed. Have faith and pray for God to use you and watch what happens.
“Lord, You have given me a testimony to share. I may not be proud of my past, but I know that you want me to use my story to help others. Give me the courage and the boldness to share my testimony with others so they can repent and be saved. Lead me to those who You want me to speak to and bless that moment. I may only be one of many You choose to enter into this person’s life to give a testimony, but I know it will be used to draw that person to You. Use me Lord!…In Jesus name I pray…Amen.”